The New England Patriots defense of their Super Bowl crown is over and they will be watching the big game from home in two weeks. Both quarterbacks, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, were uninspiring as this defensive struggle seemed more reminiscent of an AFC North divisional game than a Brady-Manning rivalry.
The Denver defense hit Brady more than any other defense this season and the Patriots offense felt the result. Wide receiver Julian Edelman was hobbling in the locker room after the game and tight end Rob Gronkowski suffered cramps for the first time this season.